Zombo district registers 5,890 teenage pregnancies in 17 months

Zombo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Zombo district registered a total of 5,890 cases of teenage pregnancies within seventeen months.

Statistics from the district probation officer, Collins Pireri indicate that the cases were recorded between the period January 2020 and May 2021.

Pireri disclosed that the victims include girls between 14 and 17 years who are both learners and those that have dropped out from studies.

According to the statistics, 4,090 cases were registered between January and December 2020 while 1,800 cases were registered between January and May 2021.

Pireri has blamed the figures on lack of parental care and guidance to young girls, poverty, negligence by parents as well as the coronavirus disease lockdown.

James Oruna Oyullu, the LCV chairperson Zombo says that the figures are alarming, a matter he notes requires urgent intervention from stakeholders to prevent it.

He added that the district together with partners has also embarked on community sensitization on how to protect young girls, sexual education as well as arresting the perpetrators.

Brenda Aromorach, a women rights activist and Field Officer Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) Gulu has urged for the need for child protection.

Acholi Paramount Chief Onen David Acana II and Acholi Muslim District Khadi, Sheikh Musa Khalil have also rooted the need for child protection instead of abuse.

*****

URN